Birding Cloisters Park and Beyond

I entered the park at the east end of the path.  The wintry shrubbery was alive with birds, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Spotted Towhee, House Finch, Anna's Hummingbird, American Goldfinch, Bushtit.  White-crowned Sparrow was singing its little heart out; in the distance an answering song, sounded much like an echo.  Be still my heart.  So many birds and I had only walked a few feet.  Along the path were California Towhee, Golden-crowned Sparrow, and more White-crowned Sparrow.  Six Mallard were swimming peacefully in a narrow drainage ditch.

I was following the path to the beach. 

Extreme tides, together with the surge of powerful waves, had deeply eroded the dunes.  Few clusters of seaweed which was interesting; that meant no flies for the birds to eat.  Maybe that is why the only birds on the beach this morning were ones with longer bills that are able to probe the sand.

The shore birds were busy following the ebb and flow of the surf. Willet (photo), Godwit, Long-billed Curlew, Whimbrel.  Small flocks of Sanderling were busy feeding along the edge of the surf, and dashing here and there on the beach. (photo)

Their tiny feet moving so fast it was mind boggling.   The 13 second video shows how the Sanderling were dashing about the beach. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvwjobH6eEI

 As I was following the route waves (photo) had taken into the dunes, a small flock of Dunlin swooped overhead.  After a few twists and turns I came upon an area of small ponds, a remnant of the powerful surge that had forced its way into the dunes.  My sudden presence caused a flock of Western Sandpiper to take flight.

Back in the park there was a Willet in the grass and, one of my favorites, a Say's Phoebe perched on a bench.  The murky pond, was very quiet, three Coots, one male Mallard and a few Red-winged Blackbird.  Perhaps on my next visit to the Cloisters' pond the boisterous Great-tailed Grackle will be in residence and my sweet friend, the Sora, will make an appearance.

 

Heermann's Gull - Juveniles Missing

A recent posting to a birding group reported that no juvenile Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) were being seen on the Calif. West Coast.  (photo, adult Heermann's Gull in winter plumage)  Heermann's breed in the early spring in large colonies on islands off the West Coast of Mexico.  After the breeding season they move north along the pacific coast to Southern British Columbia.  Beginning in mid-summer large flocks of the Heermann's can be found on the Morro Strand State Beach.

Yesterday I decided to check out the Heermann's flocks to see if I could find a juvenile or the next stages of development, a 1st winter or a 1st summer.  I do enjoy a challenge. 

At first I had a problem with the flocks having to relocate due to the number of people on the beach and children who enjoy chasing birds.  Finally the flocks settled down and I was able to have a prolonged look.  Normally, younger Heermann's are scattered throughout the flock  (below photo of a 1st winter or 1st summer).  I could find only six 1st winter/1st summer and no juveniles.  The above photo represents about 1/10 of one flock. 

My observations prompted the thought, "Why a lack of youngsters?"  Perhaps environmental conditions, such as warmer water temps, algal blooms, and acidification are having an adverse effect on the ocean food chain.  What ever the reason, there were fewer young Heermann's Gull than in prior years.

On to the other birds.  To my delight, there was a variety of shore birds, Semipalmated Plover (a favorite), Long-billed Curlew, Whimbrel, Caspian and Elegant Tern, and Ring-billed Gull.  Off shore were several Eared Grebe and Surf Scoter.  Most enjoyable was watching several Marbled Godwit feeding on tiny flies on the sand that had been churned up by horse hoofs. (above photo)   

If you look at the larger image of the Godwit, you will see a distant relative of the jellyfish, Velella velella, the little bluish, transparent things in the background.   They are free-floating hydrozoans that live on the surface of the open ocean.  At certain times of year the wind propels them to shore.  At the present time there are millions of Velella velella on central coast beaches.  Happy birding!

  

MID-SUMMER BIRDING

Morro Strand Beach - North Point - The morning could not have been more beautiful. No wind, sun breaking through the fog, tide coming in, and a variety of shore birds. What more could one ask for.

On the rock formation (photo) were two Black Oystercatcher, a Western Gull and several Black Turnstone (not visible). Counted 12 Black Turnstone feeding and preening on rocks near the shore. May take a little patience to see Turnstone, as they blend in beautifully with their rocky habitat. (Photo)

Turnstones usually travel in flocks, making them easier to see once you have finally located the first one. Another identifier is their song that sounds like a grating rattle; often calling out as they fly between feeding areas.

My birding euphoria was disturbed for a few moments as a mother videoed her son chasing the shorebirds. The boy was running after Long-billed Curlew, Whimbrel, Godwit and Willet. Fortunately I was able to get a Whimbrel photo before the birds were disturbed.

During the summer months, it is nearly impossible to go to the beach without seeing an ignorant tourist.

Whew! The sun was warming the beach. Time for an iced Starbucks.

WHITE-FACED IBIS

Morro Strand Lagoon - For at least several days a White-faced Ibis (photo) has been seen foraging in the Morro Strand Lagoon. The lagoon (below photo) is easily accessible. I take the little trail at the south end of the campground that follows the creek to the beach.
No sun and a wet drizzle did not dampen my birding spirit. I was happy not to be looking for Warblers in a willow thicket. The White-faced Ibis was engrossed in feeding and paid little attention to the people on the beach. See video White-faced Ibis - Plegadis chihi | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Besides the delightful Ibis, there was a mixed flock of Elegant and Royal Tern with a few Caspian Tern, several Black-bellied Plover, numerous Semipalmated Plover, a few Whimbrel and scads of Long-billed Curlew - Without a doubt, this morning's birding was perfect!!